Health leaders at NHS South Sefton and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are reassuring local people that the NHS is here should they need it this bank holiday, 31 August.

Although GP practices in Sefton will be closed over the bank holiday, there are services and online support available to help people that need urgent treatment.

Some community pharmacies in the area may be open on Bank Holiday Monday - you can check your local pharmacies opening times on their website.

NHS 111 can be contacted 24 hours a day, either online or by phone. You will be assessed, given advice, and directed straightaway to the local service that can best meet your needs, including Sefton’s local GP out of hours team.

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “A lot of common illness and minor injuries can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. Some pharmacies in the area will be open and are a great source of health care advice and over-the-counter medicines.

“For medical advice, you can call your local walk-in centre to book an appointment.”

• Litherland Walk-in Centre is operating from 8am until 8pm and you can book an appointment by calling them directly on 0151 475 4667
• West Lancashire Walk-in Centre is operating from 8am until 8pm and you can book an appointment by calling them directly on 01695 402180
• Skelmersdale Walk-in Centre is operating from 8am until 8pm and you can book an appointment by calling them directly on 01695 402180.” 

If you need a GP or other healthcare professional appointment on bank holiday Monday this can be booked in advance by calling your GP practice directly. Appointments will be available through the 7 Day GP Service in Southport and Formby which is open 9am -12pm and the GP Extra service in south Sefton which is open 10am – 1pm.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG said: “It’s important to remember that the NHS is here for you and your family this bank holiday weekend and there is support available.

“If you are not sure what to do and need medical advice fast, call NHS 111 or go to NHS 111 online. Please call 999 or go to A&E if you are in a life-threatening situation or emergency, such as choking, chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, blacking out or blood loss.

“If you have any COVD-19 symptoms – such as high temperature, a new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – use the dedicated NHS 111 COVID-19 service online at www.111.nhs.uk/COVID-19 for advice.”

More information:

For more information about the GP Extra service in South Sefton visit: https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/gp-extra/

For more information about the 7 Day GP Service in Southport and Formby visit: https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/7-day-gp-service/

To find your local health services and to check pharmacy opening times in South Sefton, visit: https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/find-nhs-services/

To find your local health services and to check pharmacy opening times in Southport and Formby, visit: https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/find-nhs-services/

For more information about Litherland Walk-in Centre, visit: https://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/walk-in-centres

For more information about the West Lancashire Walk-in Centre visit: https://westlancscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/west-lancashire-urgent-treatment-centre/

For more information about the Skelmersdale Walk-in Centre visit: https://westlancscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/skelmersdale-walk-centre/